Kathy Pufahl

In Loving Memory Of Kathy Pufahl
12/17/58 – 10/13/03

Many people remember Kathy Pufahl for her creative ability. Her innovative designs changed the look of American gardens. It is said the Kathy’s contributions have made a lasting impression on the horticulture industry. Dubbed the “queen of containers,” she was a visionary who took the ordinary and reintroduced it in extraordinary ways. That was also the way Kathy lived her life. She had joyfulness and a quick laugh that was contagious to all who knew and loved her. Despite being the subject of dozens of magazine articles and numerous television appearances, what she accomplished was secondary to who she was. She was a loving, dedicated mother to teenagers, Tyler and Torie and wife to high school sweetheart, Kevin Cande. She was the devoted daughter of Florence and Joseph Pufahl and sister to John, Joseph, and Robert. Kathy led her family as they worked together for school reform. She initiated significant fundraisers for the Chrohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

Kathy was diagnosed with melanoma in 1990. It metastasized thirteen years later. During her short, fierce 10-month battle with melanoma, Kathy persisted, never letting her illness stop her from being a vital presence at school, soccer games and in her greenhouses. By all measures, the world is a better place because of Kathy’s boundless love and energy. We miss her dearly.